Latest news with #JAKOA
Malay Mail
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid unveils plan to amend 1954 Orang Asli Act, learning from NZ's Maori policies
WELLINGTON, July 16 — After more than seven decades without review, the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now being amended, drawing inspiration from the empowerment model of the Māori community in New Zealand, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said that among the key elements introduced by the New Zealand government — and potentially adaptable in Malaysia — are land ownership rights, more inclusive access to education, and the establishment of dedicated financing agencies to support indigenous entrepreneurship. 'This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined. Here in New Zealand, we are not only looking at land ownership issues, but also rights in education, business and financing,' he said at a press conference at Rumah Malaysia here today. However, Ahmad Zahid stressed that New Zealand's approach could not be adopted wholesale, as it must be adapted to suit the needs and realities of the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends on Friday. He explained that the amendments to Act 134 are at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing involving various parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), which falls under his ministry, has been tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to ensure it goes beyond basic needs such as infrastructure and education. 'The aim of the amendment is not to deny rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. 'It will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and subsequently presented to the King for his consent for gazetting,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also emphasised the need for close cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. 'Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach,' he said. He said over 225,000 Orang Asli have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, and the government has never sidelined the interests of the community despite it being a minority. As such, he expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in the March session of Parliament next year. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at the country's Parliament. The meeting opened avenues for bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and served as a platform for policy and experience exchange between the two countries. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and attended an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia. — Bernama
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia considers Maori model to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act
WELLINGTON: The Malaysian government is reviewing the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) after 71 years, with plans to incorporate elements from New Zealand's Maori empowerment model. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted key areas for reform, including land ownership, education access, and financial support for indigenous entrepreneurs. Ahmad Zahid noted that New Zealand's approach offers valuable lessons but must be adapted to Malaysia's context. 'This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined. Here in New Zealand, we are not only looking at land ownership issues, but also rights in education, business and financing,' he said during a press conference at Rumah Malaysia. The Deputy PM emphasised that while New Zealand's policies provide a useful framework, Malaysia's implementation must align with the needs of the Orang Asli community. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, concluding on Friday. He explained that the amendments to Act 134 are at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing involving various parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), which falls under his ministry, has been tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to ensure it goes beyond basic needs such as infrastructure and education. 'The aim of the amendment is not to deny rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. 'It will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and subsequently presented to the King for his consent for gazetting,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also emphasised the need for close cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. 'Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach,' he said. He said over 225,000 Orang Asli have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, and the government has never sidelined the interests of the community despite it being a minority. As such, he expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in the March session of Parliament next year. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at the country's Parliament. The meeting opened avenues for bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and served as a platform for policy and experience exchange between the two countries. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and attended an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia. - Bernama
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
JAKOA Allocates RM478,000 For STR Payments To Orang Asli In Gua Musang
GUA MUSANG, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan branch of the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) has allocated RM478,250 in Rahmah Cash Contributions (STR) to 974 Orang Asli recipients in the district. JAKOA Kelantan and Terengganu deputy director Roslina Bun said the amount covered STR payments for recipients from phases one to four this year. 'From yesterday until today, STR payments were disbursed to the Orang Asli community from Pos Gob, Pos Simpor, Pos Bihai, Pos Belatim, Pos Tohoi, Pos Balar, Pos Brooke, Pos Hau, Pos Blau, Pos Hendrop and the Kuala Betis Resettlement Plan (RPS). 'JAKOA has obtained cooperation from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), the Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in tracking down recipients who have not received payments and subsequently handing over the cash at designated counters,' she said. She said this to reporters during the Rahmah Cash Contribution Payment Programme at Dewan Bonda Yah, RPS Kuala Betis, today. Roslina said members of the Orang Asli community without bank accounts or with inactive accounts are eligible to receive cash payments, with the highest amount so far reaching RM2,200 for a family with many dependants. 'We have also provided a counter to assist with the activation and registration of bank accounts so that the assistance can be credited directly into their respective accounts,' she said. She said the initiative was implemented following a recommendation from BNM to help the Orang Asli community manage their finances more effectively. --BERNAMA
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
JAKOA brings gov't services to remote Orang Asli settlements in Nenggiri
GUA MUSANG: The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), together with various government agencies, has launched an outreach expedition to deliver essential services to three remote Orang Asli settlements in the Nenggiri state constituency under the Mesra Rakyat (People-Friendly) programme. JAKOA director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor said the programme involved strategic collaboration with several government agencies. They include the Social Welfare Department, National Registration Department (NRD), Ministry of Health, National Anti-Drugs Agency, Gua Musang Court, South Kelantan Development Authority and the Nenggiri state assemblyman's service centre. She said the collaboration aimed to facilitate direct access to government services for the Orang Asli, without requiring them to endure long and difficult journeys to town, with Pos Simpor, Pos Pasik and Kuala Wook selected as the destinations for the two-day expedition, which began yesterday. 'This initiative is the result of coordination among various agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development,' she told reporters during the programme at Pos Pasik, here today. Meanwhile, Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani said the initiative received overwhelming support from local residents, who took advantage of the chance to engage directly with various government agencies present. The most popular service was the NRD counter, which received about 140 applications for identity card replacements, 10 late birth registration applications, and 145 applications for MyKid. 'A total of 138 advisory services were also provided to residents regarding documentation and citizenship rights,' he said. Meanwhile, for Zulaina Alim, 30, a Temiar woman living in Pos Pasik, the programme marked a turning point in her life when she finally managed to register the birth of her child, who is now 12 years old. She said her child was born at the Kuala Betis resettlement scheme health clinic, but she had to return to her village, more than 70 kilometres away from Gua Musang shortly after giving birth, causing the registration to be delayed for more than a decade. 'I came today solely to apply for the birth certificate and Alhamdulillah, the process went smoothly. My child will finally have a birth certificate,' she said.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
JAKOA brings gov't aid to remote Orang Asli in Nenggiri
GUA MUSANG: The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), together with various government agencies, has launched an outreach expedition to deliver essential services to three remote Orang Asli settlements in the Nenggiri state constituency under the Mesra Rakyat (People-Friendly) programme. JAKOA director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor said the programme involved strategic collaboration with several government agencies. They include the Social Welfare Department, National Registration Department (NRD), Ministry of Health, National Anti-Drugs Agency, Gua Musang Court, South Kelantan Development Authority and the Nenggiri state assemblyman's service centre. She said the collaboration aimed to facilitate direct access to government services for the Orang Asli, without requiring them to endure long and difficult journeys to town, with Pos Simpor, Pos Pasik and Kuala Wook selected as the destinations for the two-day expedition, which began yesterday. 'This initiative is the result of coordination among various agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development,' she told reporters during the programme at Pos Pasik, here today. Meanwhile, Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani said the initiative received overwhelming support from local residents, who took advantage of the chance to engage directly with various government agencies present. The most popular service was the NRD counter, which received about 140 applications for identity card replacements, 10 late birth registration applications, and 145 applications for MyKid. 'A total of 138 advisory services were also provided to residents regarding documentation and citizenship rights,' he said. Meanwhile, for Zulaina Alim, 30, a Temiar woman living in Pos Pasik, the programme marked a turning point in her life when she finally managed to register the birth of her child, who is now 12 years old. She said her child was born at the Kuala Betis resettlement scheme health clinic, but she had to return to her village, more than 70 kilometres away from Gua Musang shortly after giving birth, causing the registration to be delayed for more than a decade. 'I came today solely to apply for the birth certificate and Alhamdulillah, the process went smoothly. My child will finally have a birth certificate,' she said.
